A novel and unified presentation of the elements of mechanics in material space or configurational mechanics, with applications to fracture and defect mechanics. The level is kept accessible for any engineer, scientist or graduate possessing some knowledge of calculus and partial differential equations, and working in the various areas where rational use of materials is essential.

& Quot;The unifying treatment of structural design presented here should prove useful to any engineer involved in the design of structures. A crucial divide to be bridged is that between applied mechanics and materials science. The onset of specialization and the rapid rise of technology, however, have created separate disciplines concerned with the deformation of solid materials. Unfortunately, the result is in many cases that society loses out on having at their service efficient, high-performance material/structural systems. & quot. & quot;We follow in this text a very methodological process to introduce mechanics, materials, and design issues in a manner called total structural design. The idea is to seek a solution in & quot;total design space. & quot; & quot. & quot;The material presented in this text is suitable for a first course that encompasses both the traditional mechanics of materials and properties of materials courses. The text is also appropriate for a second course in mechanics of materials or a follow-on course in design of structures, taken after the typical introductory mechanics and properties courses. This text can be adapted to several different curriculum formats, whether traditional or modern. Instructors using the text for a traditional course may find that the text in fact facilitates transforming their course over time to a more modern, integrated approach. & quot;--BOOK JACKET.

This book examines the application of the principle of layering in architecture, its mechanics, possible application and meaning. Layering is widely used in the discussions of the 20th and 21st centuries architecture but rarely defined or examined. Layering bridges the tectonics of structure and skin, offers a system for the creation of different architectural spaces over time and functions as a design principle without hierarchy. Three types of layering are identified: a chronological sedimentation of planes materializing changes over time (temporal layering), the additive sequence of spaces (spatial layering), and the stratification of individual planes (material layering).

Based on lecture notes on a space robotics course, this book offers a pedagogical introduction to the mechanics of space robots. After presenting an overview of the environments and conditions space robots have to work in, the author discusses a variety of manipulatory devices robots may use to perform their tasks. This is followed by a discussion of robot mobility in these environments and the various technical approaches. The last two chapters are dedicated to actuators, sensors and power systems used in space robots. This book fills a gap in the space technology literature and will be useful for students and for those who have an interest in the broad and highly interdisciplinary field of space robotics, and in particular in its mechanical aspects.

Develop a thorough understanding of the mechanics of materials - an area essential for success in mechanical, civil and structural engineering -- with the analytical approach and problem-solving emphasis found in Goodno/Gere�s leading MECHANICS OF MATERIALS, Enhanced, SI, 9th Edition. This book focuses on the analysis and design of structural members subjected to tension, compression, torsion and bending. This ENHANCED EDITION guides you through a proven four-step problem-solving approach for systematically analyzing, dissecting and solving structure design problems and evaluating solutions. Memorable examples, helpful photographs and detailed diagrams and explanations demonstrate reactive and internal forces as well as resulting deformations. You gain the important foundation you need to pursue further study as you practice your skills and prepare for the FE exam.

These lecture notes cover numerous elements of configurational mechanics, including mathematical foundations, linear and nonlinear elasticity and continuum mechanics, coupled fields, fracture mechanics, as well as strength of materials.